The Texas Rangers are not expected to contend in 2018. Contend or not, the upcoming season will play as a showcase for their emerging young talent as it pertains to the future well-being of the team.
Spring is in the air. While most of us are still shoveling snow or hoping our car can withstand freezing temperatures, pitchers and catchers are reporting to Arizona and Florida warmth. That is the case for the Texas Rangers. Pitchers and catchers reported to Rangers camp in Surprise, AZ on Wednesday. The pitching staff of the Texas Rangers has many new faces that will prompt a close eye; however, the main attraction will come as the bats arrive at spring training.
Spring training is a time for extreme optimism. Records are non-factor, statistics are generally favorable, and there are plenty of players to look forward to following, whether major leaguers or prospects. If you’re an optimistic Rangers fan, brace yourself, because this article will not conclude in a World Series prediction or even a playoff prediction. I wouldn’t call 2018 a rebuilding year, but I will call it a building year. The upcoming season is not about established players such as Adrian Beltre, or Elvis Andrus, or Cole Hamels. 2018 is about the Rangers future core.
The present and the future of the Texas Rangers will be dictated by a group of four players that have a combined six years of big league experience, and none of the four have reached the age of 25 — so, when I say “dictated,” I mean there is no guarantee of success for any of the four players, and therefore, the Rangers. That is why the upcoming season is so important. 2018 is a major “prove it” year for Willie Calhoun, Nomar Mazara, Joey Gallo, and Rougned Odor. Here’s what we need to see from each in the upcoming season: